When using this Guide, we want councils to learn more about the following 3 key areas:

• Why disability inclusion is important in local government
• How to put disability inclusion front and centre in your council and community
• Where to find relevant information for your state and territory

You can also find practical case studies of how councils have implemented disability inclusion projects - including small, medium and larger-scale projects.

Why disability inclusion is important in local government

Councils play a unique and important role in making sure people with disability can access and participate in all parts of the community.

There are certain laws that councils must follow to support disability inclusion, access and participation in their communities. Understanding those laws and requirements is important.

But there are also other key reasons that disability inclusion planning should be a priority.

• People with disability make up about 20% of your community. When you factor in family, friends and supporters, this is a large portion of the population requiring council services centred around disability inclusion. They support growth in local services, industries and sectors.
• Investing in disability inclusion and universal design, saves future costs and resources. When planners design for accessibility, it benefits our present society, and the future we build.
• People with disability, older people, parents with prams, and others in the community all use accessible infrastructure like ramps and rails. Getting this right means better access for all.
• More people can work and live in the community, contributing to employment and economic growth.
• People are able to safely move around and connect with each other. This has flow on benefits for reducing issues like loneliness, isolation, and both physical and mental health concerns.
• Many people with disability travel for tourism. Research has shown they are likely to travel with two or more others. There is economic benefit in providing accessible communities that welcome all tourism experiences.

How to put disability inclusion front and centre in your council and community

• Develop a plan - the Guide provides you a step-by-step process for developing, updating and monitoring your disability action plan
• Champion inclusion - promote the Guide and your inclusion strategies to people all over council.
• Embed disability inclusion in all parts of council - particularly our 5 focus areas:
  • Planning
  • Emergency management
  • Employment
  • Leadership, governance and community engagement
  • Community development, partnerships and participation.

Councils operate across different domains and play different roles in disability inclusion depending on their local context. Councils may take on a range of roles, such as leaders, service providers, employers, connectors and providers of information. When using this Guide and planning for disability inclusion, councils should consider the role they play in their local context as well as factors like location, size and resources.

Where to find relevant information for your state and territory

You can find relevant state and territory legislation on our Legislation page or by contacting your local government state or territory association for help and advice.